Auburn Hills, Michigan, April 21, 2015 – During a ceremony held yesterday in Detroit, BorgWarner received a 2015 Automotive News PACE Award for its first-to-market front cross differential (FXD) technology. Designed to greatly enhance front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle driving performance, the electronic limited slip differential provides automakers with a cost-effective and fuel-efficient alternative to all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. BorgWarner’s FXD technology debuted on the Volkswagen Golf GTI with Performance Pack and SEAT Leon CUPRA. Programs are also under development with several other global automakers.

“BorgWarner is passionate about inventing the next ground-breaking technology. Our latest innovation brings the benefits of improved handling, traction and stability to front-wheel drive vehicles,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager, BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems. “We are proud to accept this distinguished award on behalf of the many people at BorgWarner whose hard work and entrepreneurial spirit power our success.”

BorgWarner’s patented FXD technology pre-emptively avoids wheel slip and understeering to improve drivability without sacrificing engine power. FXD technology uses input on steering angle, engine torque and yaw rate from vehicle sensors to generate a controlled locking torque of up to 100 percent to the right or left front wheel. Power is delivered directly to the wheel with the best traction, even before wheels start to slip or spin. For better cornering, FXD technology directs more power to the outer wheel to reduce inner wheel slip. With its compact, easy-to-install design and broad range of calibration options, FXD technology delivers traction and vehicle dynamics approaching that of all-wheel drive vehicles without the associated cost and weight.

Recognized around the world as a symbol of excellence, the annual Automotive News PACE Awards acknowledge automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance. PACE stands for Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence. The 21st annual PACE Award winners were chosen based on a comprehensive written application, site visit and extensive review by industry, academic and business leaders. BorgWarner’s FXD technology was named a winner in the product category, which recognizes innovations in new products, services or their development that have significant market impact and act as “game changers” in the automotive industry.
BorgWarner has become one of the most decorated companies in the history of the awards competition, earning nine PACE Awards, five PACE Innovation Partnership Awards and one PACE Environmental Award since 2005.